Lucifer's POV
I woke up before sunrise. Not because I wanted to but because I had shit to do and unfortunately for me, being Lucifer didn't exactly come with peaceful mornings and lazy cuddles every damn day.
The second I opened my eyes, my brain was already running through my schedules.
Bakery, Connie, weapon delivery, Derulo brothers, routes, Sylvester, backup plans and possible threats.
It was going to be a long fucking day.
I rolled out of bed quietly and headed toward the bathroom to get ready while Sebastián remained asleep behind me, sprawled across the mattress looking unfairly attractive even while unconscious.
Honestly? I don't even think I was that attractive while asleep.
By the time I finished dressing in the walk in closet and stepped out, the room was flooded with soft morning light spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows and Seb was no longer in bed, probably in the bathroom already.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleeves of my grey fitted top while staring at my reflection... Simple black ripped jeans, black combat boots, grey long-sleeve top, minimal makeup and my hair was down.
I looked soft and normal, just as Sabrina should look... Not Lucifer, at least not yet.
Just as I was applying my lip gloss, the bathroom door opened behind me and fuck...
Sebastián stepped out with a white towel hanging dangerously low around his waist, water dripping slowly down his chest like he belonged in some expensive perfume commercial.
His dark hair was damp and messy, his skin still glistened slightly from the shower and the man had the audacity to look at me half-asleep while being built like pure temptation.
I exhaled slowly... Maybe moving in with him wasn't such a good idea after all because waking up beside him every morning was dangerous but that's exactly what I like.
Right now, if I wasn't already running late, I would have dragged his sexy ass straight back to bed.
Seb caught me staring and smirked instantly. "You are already dressed?"
I folded my arms casually. "Observation skills. Impressive."
He laughed softly while walking closer. "I was hoping we would have breakfast together."
God. That almost made me stay... Almost.
I walked toward him instead, wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him softly.
"I would love to," I murmured against his lips, "but I am running late. Remember the new client I told you about? She's coming in this morning."
He sighed dramatically. "Okay. What about lunch?"
I stayed quiet because the truth was there was absolutely no way lunch was happening, not with half my damn empire depending on today going smoothly, not with a weapons delivery waiting for me this afternoon.
And even if I wanted to stay back and not go for the delivery, I needed to have a face to face conversation with the Derulo brothers about future deliveries and their timing. I hate been pressured and I needed to fix it.
Seb noticed my hesitation immediately and he smiled before I could even answer.
"It's fine," he said softly. "I get it."
Guilt tugged at me instantly.
"I am sorry," I admitted. "I promise I'll make it up to you."
That familiar cocky smirk appeared on his face again. "Oh, you definitely will."
Then he leaned down and kissed me again slowly.
I laughed softly against his mouth. "Okay, okay. I seriously have to go."
He nodded reluctantly. "Stay safe."
I grabbed my jacket from the chair. "I am literally just going to the bakery."
Sebastián raised one eyebrow. "Yeah right. And there's clearly stupid written across my forehead."
That made me laugh harder.
"Fine," I admitted while slipping my phone into my bag. "I am doing more than going to the bakery today. I just didn't want you worrying."
"I am worried regardless."
The softness in his voice made my chest tighten slightly. I love the way he was attentive, caring, kind, loving and intentional about everything that has to do with me.
"So stay safe."
I stared at him for a second.
God... This man loved me too much.
"I will," I promised quietly.
Then I kissed him one last time, grabbed my bag, and hurried out of the penthouse before he could tempt me into staying longer.
...
Red was already waiting inside the SUV downstairs.
The second I got in, he glanced at me through the rearview mirror.
"Morning. Warehouse?"
"No," I replied immediately. "Take me to the bakery."
Red frowned while starting the engine.
"What? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the delivery?"
I leaned back comfortably. "You know I am always ready."
That wasn't arrogance, just fact.
"Besides," I added, "I have got a meeting at the bakery. Pick me up by eleven-thirty."
Red pulled out into traffic smoothly.
"I see." Then paused briefly. "I am just worried because you have seemed distracted lately."
My eyes snapped toward him instantly.
"Distracted?" I repeated coldly. "Say that shit again and you will lose your tongue."
Red lifted one hand immediately. "Relax. I am just saying you have got a lot on your plate."
"I can handle everything." My voice sharpened automatically. "I am always on top of my game."
Red nodded once. "Right."
The rest of the ride stayed quiet after that because honestly? I hated when people questioned my control.
By the time we pulled up outside the bakery, I grabbed my bag and opened the door.
"Don't forget," I said firmly. "Pick me up by eleven-thirty."
He nodded. "I will make sure everything's ready before then."
"Do that."
Then I stepped out and the second I walked into the bakery, the warm smell of sugar, butter, and fresh bread wrapped around me instantly.
Giving me comfort and peace... Just what I needed.
Tanya was already waiting near the counter. "Welcome, Miss Sabrina."
"Thanks," I replied while walking past. "How are you doing?"
"I am fine."
"Good."
I barely made it halfway toward my office before Tanya added...
"Miss Constantia is already waiting inside."
I groaned softly under my breath.
Damn... I was hoping for at least five minutes to breathe first.
"Okay."
Then I continued walking.
The moment I entered my office, I found Connie sitting comfortably in one of the chairs sipping coffee while flipping through our bakery catalogue.
She looked up immediately. "Sabrina! Good morning."
"Morning," I replied warmly. "Sorry for keeping you waiting."
Connie waved dismissively. "It's completely fine. Honestly, I have been entertained. I love every design in your catalogue."
I smiled slightly while removing my jacket and hanging it behind my chair.
"That's good to hear. But wait until you see what I designed for you."
Connie gasped dramatically. "Really? Oh my God, I can't wait."
I grabbed my sketchbook immediately and flipped through the pages until I reached her design, then I slid it across the table toward her.
"This isn't finalized yet," I explained. "And if you don't like it, I have got other concepts."
Connie stared at the sketch silently for exactly three seconds before her eyes widened.
"Oh my goodness."
I smiled automatically.
"I love it," she breathed. "I really love it, Sabrina. It's perfect."
And just like that... I was filled with that warmth, that feeling, and that reaction, the exact reason I loved baking in the first place.
It wasn't for the money or to cover my identity but for moments like this... Making people's dream come true, making them happy.
"I am glad you like it," I said softly.
Then I pointed toward the unfinished bridal section.
"The dress details can still be adjusted though. I don't know what you are wearing yet but if you want this to be different from what you wear that day, we can also leave it like this."
Connie nodded quickly. "I will send you pictures immediately once I finalize my dress."
"Perfect. I will make the necessary adjustments."
She practically bounced in her chair.
"This is so exciting." she said excitedly. "The important question. How much?"
I grabbed a notepad calmly and wrote down the estimate. $487,000.
Which included labor, materials, rush fees, structural engineering and of course my patience.
Connie stared at the number. "That's… expensive."
I leaned back calmly. "Well, we are talking about a ten-foot edible sculpture with less than two weeks' notice. That price is actually generous."
After a second, Connie laughed softly. "You know what? Fair enough."
"Good."
"We have a deal."
"Yes we do."
"Fantastic, once payment clears," I added, "we will schedule a tasting next week to finalize flavors."
"That sounds perfect."
Then she stood up smiling. "Thank you again, Sabrina."
"You are welcome."
After she left, I just sat there for a while, smiling and feeling proud before I suddenly remembered that I had other plans for the day. I checked the time and saw that it was already 10:45 AM.
"Wow, the day is moving fast."
Maybe even too fast but thankfully, I was still right on schedule.
I stood up immediately and shut the blinds covering the glass wall beside my office door, then I locked the office completely.
I looked around, making sure the whole place was quiet, peaceful and private... Good.
I walked toward the large painting hanging behind my chair and pushed it slightly left until I heard the hidden mechanism click.
A second later... The wall itself creaked open, revealing my hidden stash room.
I stepped inside calmly... Staring at the rows of black leather outfits lined on one wall, then there is the shelves of ammunition, bulletproof fabric, hidden compartments, knives tucked into custom stiletto boots, and shoulder holsters.
But my favorite part if this stash room was the different weapons arranged perfectly on the wall, ranging from Glock 19s, to Beretta M9s and there's also Sig Sauers, AK-pattern rifles, MP5 submachine guns, Sniper rifles and the likes.
Honestly, there was enough firepower in here to start a small war.
I quickly changed clothes. I wore a black leather pants, black fitted tactical jacket, combat boots and then I braided my hair tightly back.
This wasn't the time to be soft, sexy and beautiful. Sabrina wasn't needed at this time, this was the time to imbibe Lucifer.
I strapped on my shoulder holster smoothly before loading two pistols... Then came the knives, one inside my boot, one against my thigh and one at my waist.
Prepared and ready to go as always.
I stared at myself in the mirror afterward and just like that... The sweetness disappeared, no smiles, and no warmth... Only cold ruthlessness staring back at me.
Lucifer.
The monster New York feared without even knowing my face.
I adjusted my holster one final time, then smirked coldly at my reflection.
"Now I am fucking ready."